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I'm looking to refinish the wood on a 75 Montauk I picked up over the summer which probably hasn't been attended to in 20 years. I'm also looking to build an aft bench seat and cover the instrument panel with wood to cover all the holes.

My first question is am I working with teak or mahogany? It is a 1975 Montauk.

Second, does anybody know of a good source to get 1 or 1 1/4 x 8" x 8' planks that material to build the bench?

Third, how should I finish the wood - oil or varnish?

Thanks,
Dave

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Dave,

Good to see that you are about to get a whole lot of quality time at refitting your Whaler.

1- If you can get Teak at a reasonable rate;
All the better to you.
You most likely can obtain Mahogany or a related product at a more reasonable price and be still on budget.
2-Mahogany or Teak will be obtained at your most convenient Building refinishing store and through your internet search.
3-You can either oil or varnish your handiwork.
I know that my preference will be with a varnished and perfectly glossy finish.
Do a search, pick up your products and have fun.

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Thanks Ritz.

Do you know if what is currently on the 75 Montauk is teak or mahogany? Since I will be reusing most of what is there, I'd like to match it.

And, did I read your response that I could actually use oil on mahogany? I was thinking that I had the option with Teak but with Mahogany I'd have to go with varnish. I like the idea of using oil that could be easily reapplied during the season.

Regards,
Dave

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Chance are on your side that It will be original Teak.
I have not heard of people having used oil on Mahogany but will not ever discount anything.
So the most likely scenario will be oil or varnish on Teak and varnish on Mahogany.
I will prefer to use a premium varnish on both.
So preferring oil;
Replace the missing pieces with Teak and oil the whole wood.

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I have a 1975 montaukII. It has both mahogany and teak. The front anchor locker, the side and rear access doors are mahogany with teak trim. The reversable seat lean back is all teak. My boat also has the optional front casting deck. All of the wood on it is teak.

Nothing looks better or smells better than traditional varnish on both mahogany and teak. I would be careful about putting oil on the mahogany mainly because the mahogany is actually veneer. I have seen oil do damage to the veneer glue.

Teak oil is overrated in my opinion. It look great right after you put it on. It doesn't look that great after a short while because the teak oil attracts mildew or mold.

It has everything to do with sun exposure. Sun is tough on varnish unless you put 8 or 10 coats. Keep it covered or stored inside.

If you plan on keeping the boat out in the sun then ther are other products that last better in the sun
like Cetol with clear coat on top. Good luck Tim

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I have a 1975 Outrage 19, and it has the same "winged" console that the Montauk has. All the wood in the entire '75 Montauk is teak, with the doors and instrument panels being teak plywood, with only the cooler cleats being of mahogany.

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Thanks gus.

I called the local BW dealer who informed me that the 75 Montauk was all mahogany. You guys know better. I called BW and they said everything was teak but the anchor locker was teak veneer over plywood and the cooler cleats were mahogany.

Thanks,
Dave